UK sanctions Russian-linked networks recruiting Nigerians for war against Ukraine

The UK has announced a raft of new sanctions to curb the production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe, including Nigeria, to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. The latest action hits 35 individuals and entities, including those responsible for human trafficking networks, funnelling exploited migrants […]

The UK has announced a raft of new sanctions to curb the production of Russian drones and the nefarious networks that are exploiting vulnerable migrants from across the globe, including Nigeria, to support Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The latest action hits 35 individuals and entities, including those responsible for human trafficking networks, funnelling exploited migrants into Russia’s war machine.  

Networks sanctioned by the UK have been deceptively recruiting foreign migrants in search of a better life and either sending them to the front line as cannon fodder or putting them to work in weapons factories.

This includes schemes such as Russia’s Alabuga Start programme for drone production at a UK-sanctioned entity.

Russia fired the equivalent of over 200 drones per day into Ukraine in March 2026, the highest ever monthly total.

Russia is likely to exceed this grim record for a second consecutive month in April.  

These attacks rely on domestic manufacturers and third-country suppliers to provide key components and technical support.

This new action is designed to disrupt these supply chains and hold those responsible to account by targeting the businessmen and companies fuelling Russia’s drone manufacturing capabilities.

Charge d’Affaires and British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Mrs Gill Lever, said, “Today, the UK sanctioned Russian-linked networks and individuals involved in the deceptive recruitment of vulnerable Nigerian men and women, who were misled into joining Russia’s frontline in its war against Ukraine.

“These sanctions shine a light on those who seek to exploit vulnerable Nigerians to sustain Russia’s illegal war, including through schemes such as the Alabuga Start Programme.

“Such practices knowingly place innocent civilians in grave danger, showing a complete disregard for their safety and well-being. Tragically, some have already lost their lives as a result.

“In February, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised citizens to exercise caution and avoid these schemes. We intend that today’s sanctions will further reduce the risk of harm and help protect others from similar exploitation.”

On his part, Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said, “The practice of exploiting vulnerable people to prop up Russia’s failing and illegal war in Ukraine is barbaric.  

“These sanctions expose and disrupt the operations of those trafficking migrants as cannon fodder and feeding Putin’s drone factories with illicit components to target innocent civilians and vital infrastructure.  

“The UK continues to lead international efforts to disrupt Russia’s war machine, ramping up pressure on its economy and confronting its hybrid threats.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in defence of European security and our shared values.”  

Sanctioned targets also include individuals and entities based in third countries responsible for supplying drone components and other critical military goods to Russia.

Among those sanctioned is Pavel Nikitin, whose company develops Russia’s VT-40 drone – a cheap, mass-produced attack drone which has been used extensively by Russia in its attacks on Ukraine.  

Also sanctioned are three individuals with links to the Russian state involved in recruiting individuals to travel to Ukraine to fight for Russia.    This includes Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who, backed by the Russian state, has been facilitating the travel of individuals from countries including Egypt, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Morocco, Syria and Yemen through Russia to Ukraine, where they are deployed with minimal training and under dire conditions to the frontline to sustain Russia’s war of aggression.